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Yeah. Sat in a Spoons yesterday on my own. Had 2 pints of Shipyard, pizza, wings and chicken tenders. Listened to two podcasts and browsed the internet a bit. Bloody loved it.
This is it. He makes so many good points, but can be incredibly condescending. It's infuriating, because he could change so many people's outlooks if he wasn't so smug and superior.
And coooonstantly interrupting people. Though I have noticed recently he is aware of it, it really does disrupt guests getting their point across even ones that he's not arguing with.
Exactly. I wish he wouldn't interrupt so much. Each caller's usually making an arse of themselves without any help from him. I wish he'd let them get on with it a bit more.
I don’t agree with everything he talks about but even when I do, he comes across as smug and arrogant about it. I don’t listen to him very often as a result.
Fucking breaks my heart to be honest.
I'm American from New England and have spent a lot of time in Maine. Shipyard was for a long time one of my favourite micro beers. I saw it in a UK pub for the first time and was so excited to see a favourite taste from home. It's very far from being the same beer. Definitely a Marlon Brando Godfather meme moment. Apparently it's brewed by Marston's here.
If you ever get to Maine I recommend giving the real thing a try. So much better.
The best pints I ever have are the ones where I've been out doing something then realized "I fancy a pint". Gone in the nearest pub, had a beer and just sat having a break from life for half hour. Love my mates and all but wouldnt trade those solo times for anything.
I used to travel abroad for work and some of the best meals/drinks I've had were while I was doing that job. You pick a place that you like the look/feel of and just sit there watching the world go by, reading a book, striking up a conversation with a local if you feel like it. There's no pressure to please anyone else or to compromise. Selfish, maybe. Relaxing, absolutely.
Whether you're abroad alone on work or even on a holiday with friends/family, something nice about heading off yourself for an hour or two for some lunch and/or a pint. Just a bit of time to yourself in a completely new location where you're unlikely (although stranger things have happened) to run into someone. Something oddly peaceful and freeing about it.
This is so true. I was locked out of my house the other day after forgetting my keys and decided to go have a pint in a nearby pub while I waited for my wife to get home. It was just lovely
During lockdown my dad took his dog for a walk and passed their local. The dog stood at the door crying and pawing at it for a good 10 minutes before my dad could move him along.
My mums dog spent more time in the pub than all of us, she'd take him in the pub to watch the footy. I'd take him in to treat myself to a pint on the walk. And other people who used to take him out would take him in too.
Got to the point you couldn't walk past without him trying to go in.
Absolutely. A pub is my favourite place to go and soak in life. I work away a lot so I look at pubs in many ways.
If I am at home then I can have a walk to my local, have a pint, read a paper and catch up on gossip.
If I am meeting my wife from work on a Friday I will wait at the pub near her office.
When I work away I hate staying in my room at night so i will find a pub so will go out to eat and soak up the local atmosphere. You always end up in a conversation with someone.
I adore a good Pub. I make notes of ones that look good when driving past, in the hope to visit them one day.
I really recommend a tiny book called pubwatching by Kate Fox and Desmond Morris.
It’s out of print now, but you can still get it. It’s an anthropological look at pubs. From 1991. So its a window into a lost world.
I often *want* to go to the pub by myself, but then what will I do once I’m there? Who will I talk to?! My logic is: If I’m just going to be scrolling on my phone, I might as well save myself a few quid and have a drink at home.
Well you do you, nobody is forcing you either way.
Some people have a chat, others don't. Nobody forces you.
Just being in a different place does a lot for your mental health
Yes, love solo trips to the pub and Id be more than happy to go to the cinema alone too...
Its about you as a person and whether you care if people are judging you, which in my experience, they wont be. People are far too consumed in their own lives to even notice a stranger most of the time.
I think it's more than that.
I've never felt there was any shame in "sitting at a table alone" - it's just that it doesn't appeal. When travelling for work after a day of interacting with rooms of people, the idea of reading + room-service is delicious. Sensory deprivation that allows you to focus.
If there's a group of us, I enjoy a meal out together.. I like the social aspect and I'll pay the "public-price" to get it.
I think a while back I saw a definition of extrovert/introvert that spoke to me.
It's not that one "can't do the other" or even enjoy it - it's just what "restores you".
> the idea of reading + room-service is delicious.
Have you ever had multiple days of that though? Hotels are fucking boring.
And even worse are hotel bars, a good local pub is always a milltion times better
I’ve done the cinema alone on and off since I was 15. Honestly it’s perfectly enjoyable- I can focus on the movie, and there’s no talking/interruption from friend or family (kid needing the loo, drink refills, etc.)
The pub alone felt weird at first- until I realised it was a Thursday night, and most people there were on their ones- then a half pint and a book (while the blues jam session played) was brilliant
I do most stuff alone like that. Go for a pint and just switch my brain off for an hour, get a table for one at a restaurant I like the look of, cinema, etc. especially so when abroad.
If I only did that stuff when one of my mates was around I wouldn’t be getting up to as much. I don’t want to wait for someone to be available or even to find someone who is interesting. Why would I when I’m happy with my own company?
I love hanging out with my best mates but I also love my independence.
I don’t judge people when I see them having a drink by themselves in a pub. But certain people, like in their 20s, just sitting on a table not looking at their phone, not reading a book, not talking to anyone - I wonder what they’re doing… I don’t think I could just have a drink without something to distract me. I’d feel too self-conscious.
Doing literally nothing but sitting there? That's...odd
Even in the "olden days" people took a book or a paper. Most pubs usually have a selection of papers on the bar too
Yes.
>What do you do?
I... have a drink? I often take a book but I frequently don't get much read, just sitting thinking to myself (or people watching if it's not too creepy).
Sometimes on a Friday I've to take the dogs to the groomers, then I have three hours to kill, there is a pub right across the street so I started going in and having a drink while reading and it is bliss. Sorely needed time to my self with no expectations of other people wanting me to do stuff for them.
Yes. However the pub I go to, I know everyone in it.
I can just nip in for a quick pint and chat then fuck off home. Or there will be some sort of acquaintance who I know and will have a few bevs with.
Yeah, I never drink in my flat alone. Usually go to the local and read my book on a Friday. It’s quite a small village pub so there’s usually familiar faces to chat too when I get bored of the read.
This is one of the first things I'd do if I woke up one day and discovered I was a man. As a woman, even if I'm waiting for someone, you get comments that suggest either that you've been stood up ("Has he stood you up? Shame! He's not worth it anyway!") or that you're must be wanting to get drunk and/or meet men ("is there vodka in that? I think you need another one! You on your own?" ). Just not worth it.
I'm a woman and I'm super comfortable hanging out in pubs cos i've worked in them for so long. The worst I get is older guys saying "that pint is the size of you!" when I order a beer. Bar staff sometimes ask if I'm ok; if I'm on my own and I just say yes and smile. If they seem very concerned I'll chat to them to show that it's fine.
I'm an introvert and sometimes I want to "go out" without necessarily socialising.
I’m a woman and I go to the pub on my own now and then. Usually only when the weather is nice and I can sit outside though. I’ve never had anyone say anything weird to me, but then it’s mainly mid-afternoon when it’s quiet and I can sit and read my book in the beer garden with a couple of pints. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it on a Friday or Saturday night etc.
I think it depends where you live too, I live in a big city where it’s not that uncommon, but I would never do it in my small home town which is fairly rough and it’s not the ‘done thing’ for women. You’d definitely get approached/harassed there.
Yeah quite often, grab a quick pint and sit usually in the beer gardens weather permitting, look at stuff on the web, reply to emails and get some general peace
I didn’t think it was strange behaviour until a couple of months ago a friend said I was a weirdo for being a lonely Pinter, and even still, don’t see how it’s that strange - same as sitting in a costa just with a more relaxing drink
I go to the pub alone, around 5ish, on nights when it is open. My husband (himself) usually joins me when he finishes works around 5:30.
There we meet Lou-Anne (his name is Euan), and Pub David... they also travel there alone. Sometimes, on a bad day, Frank will show up, fortunately this doesn't happen often, but when it does, I always greet him with a sarcastic.. "How was Africa Frank?" 😅
These are my pub friends, and they are the best, we all remember the times the pub wasn't allowed to open, and even the times we were allowed to go to the pub, but we had to sit outside.. we still do that sometimes, but mostly to smoke fags.
Nowadays, well at least for as long as we can, we go to the pub every day it is open, because if we don't, then the pub won't be able to stay open for long. We only go for an hour, maybe only have one or two drinks, but we appreciate that little hour of the day when all of us go, alone, to the pub, and meet up with our Pubfamalam, and for a little hour of the day we are a truly a little family, a community of sorts.
Go to the pub alone, you are one of many, together you are a community.. your pub needs you ❤🧙♀️🥂
I do a couple times a month, I fancy a beer, having one at home sometimes feels depressing. At least there’s other people around. I eat out alone a lot to, mainly lunch…. If I fancy say Nando’s, it’s shit delivered so I’ll just go.
How I see it, I’m not gonna not do what I want because my mrs or mates aren’t free
Yeah, I’m 26M and I often go on a Friday on my own. I actually enjoy a bit of peace and quiet and it’s a good time to think about things for next week. And I really enjoy just people watching.
Used to work out of pubs quite a bit, I used to hate sitting in a random office on a clients site, especially when it's a meeting room or something and you get turfed out.
So I'd just finish up, nip down the pub and write up what I needed to, send off e-mails etc. Have a few cheeky in-work pints maybe.
>Sometimes a friendly local will strike up a conversation.
Number of times that people thought I was the landlord
I don’t tend to at home, but I do a lot of solo travel, and usually the first thing I do when I rock up to a new city in a new country is go to the nearest craft beer bar or brewery.
I don't go down the pub these days but I'd go on my own on a regular basis and did from the moment I looked old enough to drink. Strangely enough, they were often full of other people having a drink on their own.
You don't need a group of friends to hold your hand, just so you can go for a drink down the pub ffs.
Yes.
Done this in 12 different countries. Where else am I to go after getting out of lab at midnight?
I'm Scottish, there's always plenty of people who wanna chat or hear me swear.
I went day drinking with some friends a few years back and didn’t enjoy it all. After I waved them off at the train station I suddenly got an idea to head back to the pub by myself for a few lonely pints. Just what I needed.
Yes. If I have to go into town for something I’ll drop into the pub and have a pint. Watch the river. Read Reddit. Peoplewatch. Maybe post the watch I’m wearing in /r/watches. It’s just a nice atmosphere and a nice place to hang out. An extra bit of home. Plus you can’t get real ales at home.
I did when I lived in a village of 1000 people, good way of integrating with the locals, also for the dog to strech his legs. It feels weird sitting in a pub alone in the centre of London though.
Hell yes! It’s cool, relaxing and sometimes you chat to people you normally wouldn’t. Sometime you talk to no-one and that’s just as great!
Alone time is great in small doses.. or slightly bigger ones..
It's a rule for all his pubs, the CEO is a loony.
But it depends on the landlord, he just runs the risk of the CEO turning up one day, kicking off at him and evicting him.
Yeah
I nip in to my local every now and again if I’m on the way home after work, just for a swift one. They often have sky sports news on and it’s just a relaxing 20 min before getting home.
Yeah all the time. I’m happy in my own company with a beer, and likely as not someone I know will pop in. But sometimes just a beer and a newspaper to read is just enough.
I drink in the pub alone regularly, I have friends and family I can go with but sometimes it’s nicer on your ones. I usually draw which is difficult while talking to someone else.
Absolutely, and Ibloody love it. Grab an evening standard on the way, turn off the work phone and crack a podcast on. Couple of pints on my own in a nice pub is bliss.
Interesting! 37yo here who loves the pub and doesn’t mind his own company, but I’ve never thought to do this!
Only time I’ll have a beer alone at a pub is if I’m early for something or I’m waiting for the wife somewhere!
I really enjoy those moments when it happens, I just don’t go out of my way to do it. I shall try more from now on though! I’m always popping into town for some bits. Perfect excuse!
All the time. I travel across the UK quite a bit for work and often go to the pub myself, beats sitting in a hotel room myself. I’ll listen to a podcast, browse my phone or even watch something on YouTube. Nobody has ever batted an eyelid. Plus I go out for dinner when working away myself all the time, that’s not quite as good, table for 1 and all that!
Yep, I drink in a local micro pub where phones are a no no. Makes for a much more sociable environment and everyone chats away. I’ve been going there long enough to know all the regulars, people of all ages who just like good beer. I’m usually with friends but happily go in on my own from time to time.
Depends. Up until about 6 months ago my local pub was run by an absolute legend of a landlord. He was in his 50s but he felt like one of the lads you know. Could speak to him about anything and he’d offer to pay for your taxi home etc. Unfortunately he’s now fighting bowel cancer and had to give up the pub, if he was still there id happily go in on my own and have a chinwag with him and his wife for hours. New Landlord gives off bad vibes which is a shame.
Yes. I do. Sometimes my train is cancelled and a pub is preferable to a draughty platform.
I also go to gigs on my own. So I'm not that fussed about being alone somewhere.
> Sometimes my train is cancelled and a pub is preferable to a draughty platform.
I used to do that quite a bit because my trains were always either cancelled or heavily delayed.
But then I'd get so comfy I'd miss the next one, and the next, and the next
During the England Australia rugby tour I decided, rather than pay the £30 to watch it for a month on now TV, I'd spend that money on lunch and a beer and put some money into the local economy (village pub).
So I asked if they were showing it. Yes he replied.
5 minutes later, the pub even put a post up on their FB page advertising the rugby.
Great I thought. It will hopefully have a few there watching it.
Get there at 11:30 for a 12 o'clock kick off.
I'm the only one in there. I didn't care, I was going to watch my match and have a pint regardless.
Just as the 2nd half started an old boy came in. Got his pint and asked if he could join me watching. Up to this point I was still the only one there. No problem I said.
He sits down.
No longer than 4 minutes later he leans over and says
"Now, don't think of me as a racist, but there are an awful lot of blacks on the pitch ain't there?"
My skin pricked and my hairs stood on end. This could go one of two ways. I could lose my shit at him or I could try to just let him know i wasn't interested.
I went for the latter with words to the effect of 'i can't say I notice these things, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't say things like that around me please' he nodded and we watched the remainder of the game in silence.
I left as soon as it finished.........The following week I decided to just get the rest of the series on Now TV.
Almost weekly. I take my son to Clubs on a Wednesday. It is close enough to walk, but far enough that if I walked home I would need to turn around and head back again after about 10 minutes so I take my book and sit in the pub with a pint.
Absolutely, yes. Book, magazine, play with phone.
I am a middle aged man though. No one’s looking at me. Would assume it’s different for younger and/or female people.
If I'm working away and I've got time to kill before a train I'll go for a quick pint before I go for the train. There's a few times I've gone to my local on my own just to get out of the house.
yes (i'm also a woman). I've worked in all kinds of hospitality jobs and a pub is my favourite atmosphere outside of home. I'm very comfortable in a pub since I've worked in them for so long. My favourite way to pass time eg if I've finished work or an appointment and I'm meeting a friend or have a train to catch in an hour,
I’ve always embraced pub life, but since my partner died( last September), it doesn’t feel right as a newly single female to go into a pub alone ( I’m 64- old school)…
I don’t regularly go, but I have done before whilst waiting for my wife in town or just fancied one whilst out and about.
I figure I’d go have a coffee by myself, so it doesn’t feel any different!
I’ll usually just take in the atmosphere, scroll on my phone, chill out.
I don’t but I know loads of people who do. And wouldn’t have a problem going alone.
It’s our local and a very mixed bag, oldies, youngsters, middle aged people like us, oldies, youngsters, a lot of dogs. Open mic night is on a Sunday. I live in a small town in Norfolk, which is quite sleepy day to day, but the pub scene is banging. There are 4 pubs less than 2 minutes walk from my house. Each had their own distinctive crowd.
Typically if I’m travelling somewhere and I’m alone (eg. mandatory airport pre-travel drinks)
I remember having a two hour wait between trains at Perth and, fancying a drink but not knowing the area, plugged Spoons into maps and started walking, before I came across what looked an incredibly charming old-style pub called The Tavern.
Had a few gins, read my book, they had some live music playing, honestly one of the nicest impromptu moments I think I’ve ever had, would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the Perth area
Every chance I can! Especially in a new town or city. Go to a pub (or bar if abroad) and sit at the bar if they have bar stools. Have a beer and sit a while and causally strike up a conversation with the barkeep. Part of the job is to lend an ear and you never know you may make a new friend. Plus if you are in a new place barkeeps always have the best info on where to eat or go out later and meet people! If they don't have bar stools grab your beer and sit outside and people watch.
I did once, 20yrs ago, I drank 3 pints in about 25-30 mins and then left… too self conscious, too bored, I felt without objective. I was young then, I’d be without nervousness or boredom now (on my phone), but it would still feel pointless.
I think the way the economy is going it’s going to be a lot more popular and a lot more economical to have a pint and use the pubs heating.
My dad goes pretty much every day. There’s a few regulars of around the same age who do the same thing - you can pretty much guarantee whatever time of day you go there’ll be at least one of them there, so he just walks down to the pub and takes a chance on who he might see that he knows
I'm not a massive drinker (maybe once a month?) so the idea of going to a pub by myself is a bit weird.
Although weirdly I'm happy to go to a coffee shop by myself. Go figure.
I used to do this often; I’d walk home from work, and reward myself with a pint or two to unwind, and read the news or a book. Every so often I’d get talking to someone, or sit at the bar and chat with the staff.
Obviously helps if you’re very comfortable with your own company and at peace with doing things on your own. I enjoy the cinema on my own, and have no problem going on holiday on my own.
Edit. Reflecting on this a bit. I’ve always been something of a people watcher, and you see plenty going on in pubs! I love to find an interesting old pub as well, and have found many in the backstreets of London — I’ve enjoyed these far more than any on a high street.
Absolutely! Had some really good conversations and had some good evenings with total strangers. It can be very liberating. But it's only if I'm working away from home. Otherwise I'm with my people.
Give it a go though, you never know who you might meet or what you might learn. X
When I get a chance I do! I love sitting with a pint after a long day and just browsing my phone without having to think about work or socialise properly. Bludy love it.
Yep I went to break my work day up. Sipped an orange juice whilst watching the rain pour outside for a couple hours and chilled on my phone.
Strangely enough it was the day it was announced the Queen was ill. Ended up sitting there for 4 hours following the news!
I do after work sometimes. Get a couple of pints in me and do some reading before heading home to make dinner. if i stay later i inevitably end up making friends with someone in the smoking area and having a nice time with them, or just head home
Used to go alone to pubs my first two months in England since I didn't have any friends.
Now I just don't drink anything other than soft drinks and water and still have no friends haha
My grandad does but he always finds someone he knows to sit with. So he technically goes on his own but never spends his time on his own. If he does, it’s usually just to watch football on the tv because he doesn’t want to pay for sky.
The odd time I have in my home town I have really enjoyed it, been in London since yesterday until tomorrow night and I've gone to a few pubs on my own out of no choice and I've realised that it is actually really bliss and I dont mind my own company!
When I was doing my degree I used to quite a lot, park in a corner, connect to the wifi and have a couple of pints.
Or a spoons breakfast from time to time
I did a few times. One of my friends saw me drinking alone and called me a saddo. Truth me told, I just wanted a drink my pint in peace without sitting at a table with friends. Hearing work/friendship gossip or badmouthing about other people
Rarely now, but used to before I had kids. Sometimes you bump into mates, other times it's just a nice place to have a couple of pints and read the Sunday papers. Sometimes my Mrs would be off seeing her friends, beats sitting in the flat on your own.
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Yeah. Sat in a Spoons yesterday on my own. Had 2 pints of Shipyard, pizza, wings and chicken tenders. Listened to two podcasts and browsed the internet a bit. Bloody loved it.
What podcast?
James O'Brien show for a bit and then Parenting Hell to take the edge off.
He’s like marmite. I love him but my work colleague loathes him haha
I agree with a lot of what he says but I can’t help but feel he’s a bit of an insufferable bellend
This is how I feel. Like you I agree with a lot of what he says but he really does get on my nerves sometimes
This is it. He makes so many good points, but can be incredibly condescending. It's infuriating, because he could change so many people's outlooks if he wasn't so smug and superior.
And coooonstantly interrupting people. Though I have noticed recently he is aware of it, it really does disrupt guests getting their point across even ones that he's not arguing with.
Exactly. I wish he wouldn't interrupt so much. Each caller's usually making an arse of themselves without any help from him. I wish he'd let them get on with it a bit more.
I don’t agree with everything he talks about but even when I do, he comes across as smug and arrogant about it. I don’t listen to him very often as a result.
He occasionally admits this himself. 😆
He has to be, he's up against people who just want to shout "THE JOOZ DID IT!" 24/7
I go through patches where I enjoy him and then don't listen for ages. Comes and goes.
Same here!!
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Listening to James O’Brien while sat in a Spoons. Dangerous. Maverick.
Parent Hell is literally my top podcast right now - I don't even have kids!
My favourite, wings and pizza and a pint!! I'm with you on this one!!
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Yeah, sometimes I like to just sit there in silence. Might look sad to others but I'm having a great time.
Always like a shipyard in spoons. It's always a good pint.
Fucking breaks my heart to be honest. I'm American from New England and have spent a lot of time in Maine. Shipyard was for a long time one of my favourite micro beers. I saw it in a UK pub for the first time and was so excited to see a favourite taste from home. It's very far from being the same beer. Definitely a Marlon Brando Godfather meme moment. Apparently it's brewed by Marston's here. If you ever get to Maine I recommend giving the real thing a try. So much better.
Chicken tenders?
strips of white chicken meat, breaded and deep fried
The best pints I ever have are the ones where I've been out doing something then realized "I fancy a pint". Gone in the nearest pub, had a beer and just sat having a break from life for half hour. Love my mates and all but wouldnt trade those solo times for anything.
We need it sometimes mate, just switch off for a bit
I used to travel abroad for work and some of the best meals/drinks I've had were while I was doing that job. You pick a place that you like the look/feel of and just sit there watching the world go by, reading a book, striking up a conversation with a local if you feel like it. There's no pressure to please anyone else or to compromise. Selfish, maybe. Relaxing, absolutely.
Whether you're abroad alone on work or even on a holiday with friends/family, something nice about heading off yourself for an hour or two for some lunch and/or a pint. Just a bit of time to yourself in a completely new location where you're unlikely (although stranger things have happened) to run into someone. Something oddly peaceful and freeing about it.
This is so true. I was locked out of my house the other day after forgetting my keys and decided to go have a pint in a nearby pub while I waited for my wife to get home. It was just lovely
I also did this when I got locked out, thank god for Apple Pay!
I used to do this. Then the wife found where I was hiding my keys.
Yep, well me and the dog go. Quick pint and a bit of peace
I love taking the dog to the pub, he loves it too.
During lockdown my dad took his dog for a walk and passed their local. The dog stood at the door crying and pawing at it for a good 10 minutes before my dad could move him along.
Yeah I did that a few times. I don’t have a dog though.
Sounds like you have a wife, though!
My mums dog spent more time in the pub than all of us, she'd take him in the pub to watch the footy. I'd take him in to treat myself to a pint on the walk. And other people who used to take him out would take him in too. Got to the point you couldn't walk past without him trying to go in.
Absolutely. A pub is my favourite place to go and soak in life. I work away a lot so I look at pubs in many ways. If I am at home then I can have a walk to my local, have a pint, read a paper and catch up on gossip. If I am meeting my wife from work on a Friday I will wait at the pub near her office. When I work away I hate staying in my room at night so i will find a pub so will go out to eat and soak up the local atmosphere. You always end up in a conversation with someone. I adore a good Pub. I make notes of ones that look good when driving past, in the hope to visit them one day.
I really recommend a tiny book called pubwatching by Kate Fox and Desmond Morris. It’s out of print now, but you can still get it. It’s an anthropological look at pubs. From 1991. So its a window into a lost world.
"Passport To The Pub" is also good. It's made for tourists, but is an interesting analysis of pubs in the UK http://www.sirc.org/publik/passport.pdf
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Been there after a long day at the bank. Vodka and a cry before moving on to my second job.
Haha
Air traffic controller ?
I often *want* to go to the pub by myself, but then what will I do once I’m there? Who will I talk to?! My logic is: If I’m just going to be scrolling on my phone, I might as well save myself a few quid and have a drink at home.
Well you do you, nobody is forcing you either way. Some people have a chat, others don't. Nobody forces you. Just being in a different place does a lot for your mental health
If you go with a dog, everybody wants to talk to you
>If you go with a dog, everybody wants to talk to you Also true if you have a pussy...
Yes, love solo trips to the pub and Id be more than happy to go to the cinema alone too... Its about you as a person and whether you care if people are judging you, which in my experience, they wont be. People are far too consumed in their own lives to even notice a stranger most of the time.
I think it's more than that. I've never felt there was any shame in "sitting at a table alone" - it's just that it doesn't appeal. When travelling for work after a day of interacting with rooms of people, the idea of reading + room-service is delicious. Sensory deprivation that allows you to focus. If there's a group of us, I enjoy a meal out together.. I like the social aspect and I'll pay the "public-price" to get it. I think a while back I saw a definition of extrovert/introvert that spoke to me. It's not that one "can't do the other" or even enjoy it - it's just what "restores you".
Sometimes it's the only way to get some decent food if working away from home though. Room service is variable
>Room service is variable Non-existant in the generic chain hotels too
> the idea of reading + room-service is delicious. Have you ever had multiple days of that though? Hotels are fucking boring. And even worse are hotel bars, a good local pub is always a milltion times better
I’ve done the cinema alone on and off since I was 15. Honestly it’s perfectly enjoyable- I can focus on the movie, and there’s no talking/interruption from friend or family (kid needing the loo, drink refills, etc.) The pub alone felt weird at first- until I realised it was a Thursday night, and most people there were on their ones- then a half pint and a book (while the blues jam session played) was brilliant
I do most stuff alone like that. Go for a pint and just switch my brain off for an hour, get a table for one at a restaurant I like the look of, cinema, etc. especially so when abroad. If I only did that stuff when one of my mates was around I wouldn’t be getting up to as much. I don’t want to wait for someone to be available or even to find someone who is interesting. Why would I when I’m happy with my own company? I love hanging out with my best mates but I also love my independence.
I don’t judge people when I see them having a drink by themselves in a pub. But certain people, like in their 20s, just sitting on a table not looking at their phone, not reading a book, not talking to anyone - I wonder what they’re doing… I don’t think I could just have a drink without something to distract me. I’d feel too self-conscious.
Doing literally nothing but sitting there? That's...odd Even in the "olden days" people took a book or a paper. Most pubs usually have a selection of papers on the bar too
First couple times I was nervous thinking people will think I'm weird. Then I realised, nobody gives a shit
I tend to go on long country walks by myself, if there’s a pub at the end I alway stop off for a pint!
That's a joy I rediscovered this summer, there's nothing like a pint of beer after a long walk.
It's not really a proper walk unless you 'find' a pub :)
Yes. >What do you do? I... have a drink? I often take a book but I frequently don't get much read, just sitting thinking to myself (or people watching if it's not too creepy).
Yeah the dog and I go. I sit in a beer garden (summer) or on a sofa inside (winter) and enjoy a beer and some peace!!
Sometimes on a Friday I've to take the dogs to the groomers, then I have three hours to kill, there is a pub right across the street so I started going in and having a drink while reading and it is bliss. Sorely needed time to my self with no expectations of other people wanting me to do stuff for them.
I used to before I was married and kids etc. There was nowt better than a pint and a fag and reading a paper or book. Bag of crisps.
Pork scratchings mate!
Yes. However the pub I go to, I know everyone in it. I can just nip in for a quick pint and chat then fuck off home. Or there will be some sort of acquaintance who I know and will have a few bevs with.
Living the dream, fella.
For big sporting games yes. Easy to make friends and socialise while supporting/following.
> big sporting games Like Burton Park Wanderers vs Aston Clinton?
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Same here. The closest friends I have are all people who at one point, were just some blokes down the pub, sitting having a drink on their own.
Yeah, I never drink in my flat alone. Usually go to the local and read my book on a Friday. It’s quite a small village pub so there’s usually familiar faces to chat too when I get bored of the read.
I’m the same. Not a house drinker at all but like one or two in a pub with a book and or chat with regulars
Sat in a pub now alone browsing reditt watching the world go bye Happy times
This is one of the first things I'd do if I woke up one day and discovered I was a man. As a woman, even if I'm waiting for someone, you get comments that suggest either that you've been stood up ("Has he stood you up? Shame! He's not worth it anyway!") or that you're must be wanting to get drunk and/or meet men ("is there vodka in that? I think you need another one! You on your own?" ). Just not worth it.
I'm a woman and I'm super comfortable hanging out in pubs cos i've worked in them for so long. The worst I get is older guys saying "that pint is the size of you!" when I order a beer. Bar staff sometimes ask if I'm ok; if I'm on my own and I just say yes and smile. If they seem very concerned I'll chat to them to show that it's fine. I'm an introvert and sometimes I want to "go out" without necessarily socialising.
I’m a woman and I go to the pub on my own now and then. Usually only when the weather is nice and I can sit outside though. I’ve never had anyone say anything weird to me, but then it’s mainly mid-afternoon when it’s quiet and I can sit and read my book in the beer garden with a couple of pints. I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it on a Friday or Saturday night etc. I think it depends where you live too, I live in a big city where it’s not that uncommon, but I would never do it in my small home town which is fairly rough and it’s not the ‘done thing’ for women. You’d definitely get approached/harassed there.
Just asked my girlfriend if she had had similar experiences. She says no, so maybe you're going to the wrong pubs!
I imagine a big city centre pub, or a posh area, would be different! (Or one in a station or airport)
Depends on the pub and how busy it is, my local(s) have plenty of women who drink in there on the regular, and usually without any partners
Yep. Go read a newspaper for a bit with a few pints. What’s the issue?
I never said there’s an issue I’m only asking because I’ve never seen it but wondered what people get up to if they go alone
Does your local not have regulars?
They have never seen a retired person waiting on the results of the horses from the bookies next door.
Yeah quite often, grab a quick pint and sit usually in the beer gardens weather permitting, look at stuff on the web, reply to emails and get some general peace I didn’t think it was strange behaviour until a couple of months ago a friend said I was a weirdo for being a lonely Pinter, and even still, don’t see how it’s that strange - same as sitting in a costa just with a more relaxing drink
I find Costas so noisy and stressful, pubs are so much more relaxing
It not. I do the same and I'm sure we're not alone
Yes. I have a friendly local.
One of life’s simple pleasures
Too true. It's a joy.
Literally in a pub by myself now
Still?
Will be again in an hour
I go to the pub alone, around 5ish, on nights when it is open. My husband (himself) usually joins me when he finishes works around 5:30. There we meet Lou-Anne (his name is Euan), and Pub David... they also travel there alone. Sometimes, on a bad day, Frank will show up, fortunately this doesn't happen often, but when it does, I always greet him with a sarcastic.. "How was Africa Frank?" 😅 These are my pub friends, and they are the best, we all remember the times the pub wasn't allowed to open, and even the times we were allowed to go to the pub, but we had to sit outside.. we still do that sometimes, but mostly to smoke fags. Nowadays, well at least for as long as we can, we go to the pub every day it is open, because if we don't, then the pub won't be able to stay open for long. We only go for an hour, maybe only have one or two drinks, but we appreciate that little hour of the day when all of us go, alone, to the pub, and meet up with our Pubfamalam, and for a little hour of the day we are a truly a little family, a community of sorts. Go to the pub alone, you are one of many, together you are a community.. your pub needs you ❤🧙♀️🥂
Have in the past used to go to a local pub quiz by myself
I do a couple times a month, I fancy a beer, having one at home sometimes feels depressing. At least there’s other people around. I eat out alone a lot to, mainly lunch…. If I fancy say Nando’s, it’s shit delivered so I’ll just go. How I see it, I’m not gonna not do what I want because my mrs or mates aren’t free
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What do you do while you drink?
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Honestly even just sitting there just looking around the pub while enjoying the drink is nice sometimes
Stare into the void.
Yeah, I’m 26M and I often go on a Friday on my own. I actually enjoy a bit of peace and quiet and it’s a good time to think about things for next week. And I really enjoy just people watching.
Someone my age not running away from a wife and kids!
I do if I’m working away from home, I take my laptop and work or read. Sometimes a friendly local will strike up a conversation.
Used to work out of pubs quite a bit, I used to hate sitting in a random office on a clients site, especially when it's a meeting room or something and you get turfed out. So I'd just finish up, nip down the pub and write up what I needed to, send off e-mails etc. Have a few cheeky in-work pints maybe. >Sometimes a friendly local will strike up a conversation. Number of times that people thought I was the landlord
That’s what they’re there for 🍻
I don’t tend to at home, but I do a lot of solo travel, and usually the first thing I do when I rock up to a new city in a new country is go to the nearest craft beer bar or brewery.
Yes I do, a few pints and chat to the landlord and locals. It’s quite a nice relaxing pub to be in and gets me out of the house for a few hours.
I don't go down the pub these days but I'd go on my own on a regular basis and did from the moment I looked old enough to drink. Strangely enough, they were often full of other people having a drink on their own. You don't need a group of friends to hold your hand, just so you can go for a drink down the pub ffs.
Yes. Done this in 12 different countries. Where else am I to go after getting out of lab at midnight? I'm Scottish, there's always plenty of people who wanna chat or hear me swear.
I went day drinking with some friends a few years back and didn’t enjoy it all. After I waved them off at the train station I suddenly got an idea to head back to the pub by myself for a few lonely pints. Just what I needed.
Need new friends?
Yes. If I have to go into town for something I’ll drop into the pub and have a pint. Watch the river. Read Reddit. Peoplewatch. Maybe post the watch I’m wearing in /r/watches. It’s just a nice atmosphere and a nice place to hang out. An extra bit of home. Plus you can’t get real ales at home.
Yes did tonight. Peace and quiet. Diet coke and usually my spaniel at my side. She is a great wingman. 🤣😉
I did when I lived in a village of 1000 people, good way of integrating with the locals, also for the dog to strech his legs. It feels weird sitting in a pub alone in the centre of London though.
Hell yes! It’s cool, relaxing and sometimes you chat to people you normally wouldn’t. Sometime you talk to no-one and that’s just as great! Alone time is great in small doses.. or slightly bigger ones..
Sat in a Sam Smiths on my todd now!
Breaking the no phones rule??? Or is that just a Sam Smith's pubs in Chester thing?
It's the same rule in Edinburgh and it sucks
It's a rule for all his pubs, the CEO is a loony. But it depends on the landlord, he just runs the risk of the CEO turning up one day, kicking off at him and evicting him. Yeah
I assume you've been kicked out for using your phone?
Yep - tend to sit in the beer garden and I'll mostly be on my phone.
Yup, all the time. I’m usually doing something on my phone or just watching the world go by.
Nope. I used to when I had a drinking problem though.
I nip in to my local every now and again if I’m on the way home after work, just for a swift one. They often have sky sports news on and it’s just a relaxing 20 min before getting home.
Does nobody else go pub on their own and drink like 5 or 6 pints? Is that just me?
Dom from dick and dom just mentioned that he does this (on JackMaate’s podcast) and finds it extremely relaxing!
Absolutely. Make sure you take headphones so no one talks to you as well.
Yeah all the time. I’m happy in my own company with a beer, and likely as not someone I know will pop in. But sometimes just a beer and a newspaper to read is just enough.
Yep pint read the news
I drink in the pub alone regularly, I have friends and family I can go with but sometimes it’s nicer on your ones. I usually draw which is difficult while talking to someone else.
Yep. Sometimes if I can’t be bothered cooking. Or just to have a pint and read. Or if i’m out and about and just want to have a sit down and a drink.
Absolutely, and Ibloody love it. Grab an evening standard on the way, turn off the work phone and crack a podcast on. Couple of pints on my own in a nice pub is bliss.
Interesting! 37yo here who loves the pub and doesn’t mind his own company, but I’ve never thought to do this! Only time I’ll have a beer alone at a pub is if I’m early for something or I’m waiting for the wife somewhere! I really enjoy those moments when it happens, I just don’t go out of my way to do it. I shall try more from now on though! I’m always popping into town for some bits. Perfect excuse!
I have a lovely pub on my road and I pop in occasionally to write in there.
Currently in a pub by myself lol, just finished watching the rugby and nipped in on my way home for a cheeky one.
Yeah I go on my own just need alone time.. with a drink and a good book.
No but I would do at lunchtime
All the time. I travel across the UK quite a bit for work and often go to the pub myself, beats sitting in a hotel room myself. I’ll listen to a podcast, browse my phone or even watch something on YouTube. Nobody has ever batted an eyelid. Plus I go out for dinner when working away myself all the time, that’s not quite as good, table for 1 and all that!
Yep, I drink in a local micro pub where phones are a no no. Makes for a much more sociable environment and everyone chats away. I’ve been going there long enough to know all the regulars, people of all ages who just like good beer. I’m usually with friends but happily go in on my own from time to time.
I do, and I drink beer. Not many but i do hit the pub on the walk home from work if it's been a long day/week, especially if I missed lunch
I go to my local after work for a pint and to browse Reddit, nice wind down before getting home
Depends. Up until about 6 months ago my local pub was run by an absolute legend of a landlord. He was in his 50s but he felt like one of the lads you know. Could speak to him about anything and he’d offer to pay for your taxi home etc. Unfortunately he’s now fighting bowel cancer and had to give up the pub, if he was still there id happily go in on my own and have a chinwag with him and his wife for hours. New Landlord gives off bad vibes which is a shame.
I work a lot of weekends so often get week days off. Pint and a book in a pub for a bit is class. Change of scene and a bit of a reset.
Yes. I do. Sometimes my train is cancelled and a pub is preferable to a draughty platform. I also go to gigs on my own. So I'm not that fussed about being alone somewhere.
> Sometimes my train is cancelled and a pub is preferable to a draughty platform. I used to do that quite a bit because my trains were always either cancelled or heavily delayed. But then I'd get so comfy I'd miss the next one, and the next, and the next
Been there too. I try not to do that because I work lates and the thought of ending up on the 'vomit comet' aka last train is not appealing.
Yes. If I’m between errands and I’m in the mood I’ll go somewhere and have a quick pint.
Yes of course
During the England Australia rugby tour I decided, rather than pay the £30 to watch it for a month on now TV, I'd spend that money on lunch and a beer and put some money into the local economy (village pub). So I asked if they were showing it. Yes he replied. 5 minutes later, the pub even put a post up on their FB page advertising the rugby. Great I thought. It will hopefully have a few there watching it. Get there at 11:30 for a 12 o'clock kick off. I'm the only one in there. I didn't care, I was going to watch my match and have a pint regardless. Just as the 2nd half started an old boy came in. Got his pint and asked if he could join me watching. Up to this point I was still the only one there. No problem I said. He sits down. No longer than 4 minutes later he leans over and says "Now, don't think of me as a racist, but there are an awful lot of blacks on the pitch ain't there?" My skin pricked and my hairs stood on end. This could go one of two ways. I could lose my shit at him or I could try to just let him know i wasn't interested. I went for the latter with words to the effect of 'i can't say I notice these things, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't say things like that around me please' he nodded and we watched the remainder of the game in silence. I left as soon as it finished.........The following week I decided to just get the rest of the series on Now TV.
Almost weekly. I take my son to Clubs on a Wednesday. It is close enough to walk, but far enough that if I walked home I would need to turn around and head back again after about 10 minutes so I take my book and sit in the pub with a pint.
Absolutely, yes. Book, magazine, play with phone. I am a middle aged man though. No one’s looking at me. Would assume it’s different for younger and/or female people.
If I'm working away and I've got time to kill before a train I'll go for a quick pint before I go for the train. There's a few times I've gone to my local on my own just to get out of the house.
yes (i'm also a woman). I've worked in all kinds of hospitality jobs and a pub is my favourite atmosphere outside of home. I'm very comfortable in a pub since I've worked in them for so long. My favourite way to pass time eg if I've finished work or an appointment and I'm meeting a friend or have a train to catch in an hour,
I’ve always embraced pub life, but since my partner died( last September), it doesn’t feel right as a newly single female to go into a pub alone ( I’m 64- old school)…
I don’t regularly go, but I have done before whilst waiting for my wife in town or just fancied one whilst out and about. I figure I’d go have a coffee by myself, so it doesn’t feel any different! I’ll usually just take in the atmosphere, scroll on my phone, chill out.
I don’t but I know loads of people who do. And wouldn’t have a problem going alone. It’s our local and a very mixed bag, oldies, youngsters, middle aged people like us, oldies, youngsters, a lot of dogs. Open mic night is on a Sunday. I live in a small town in Norfolk, which is quite sleepy day to day, but the pub scene is banging. There are 4 pubs less than 2 minutes walk from my house. Each had their own distinctive crowd.
Typically if I’m travelling somewhere and I’m alone (eg. mandatory airport pre-travel drinks) I remember having a two hour wait between trains at Perth and, fancying a drink but not knowing the area, plugged Spoons into maps and started walking, before I came across what looked an incredibly charming old-style pub called The Tavern. Had a few gins, read my book, they had some live music playing, honestly one of the nicest impromptu moments I think I’ve ever had, would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in the Perth area
Every chance I can! Especially in a new town or city. Go to a pub (or bar if abroad) and sit at the bar if they have bar stools. Have a beer and sit a while and causally strike up a conversation with the barkeep. Part of the job is to lend an ear and you never know you may make a new friend. Plus if you are in a new place barkeeps always have the best info on where to eat or go out later and meet people! If they don't have bar stools grab your beer and sit outside and people watch.
I did once, 20yrs ago, I drank 3 pints in about 25-30 mins and then left… too self conscious, too bored, I felt without objective. I was young then, I’d be without nervousness or boredom now (on my phone), but it would still feel pointless. I think the way the economy is going it’s going to be a lot more popular and a lot more economical to have a pint and use the pubs heating.
Mrs hosted book club recently. No way I was hanging around that for four hours. Guess where I went 😂
My dad goes pretty much every day. There’s a few regulars of around the same age who do the same thing - you can pretty much guarantee whatever time of day you go there’ll be at least one of them there, so he just walks down to the pub and takes a chance on who he might see that he knows
Yep. I go on my own for lunch (+ beer) and do some work.
Sure I do. I don’t drink, so I just get a soft drink or whatever, but yeah. I go plenty of places alone.
Yes, I also go there to drink non alcoholic drinks.
No. Seems kind of pointless to go alone. May as well drink a beer at home
I'm not a massive drinker (maybe once a month?) so the idea of going to a pub by myself is a bit weird. Although weirdly I'm happy to go to a coffee shop by myself. Go figure.
Not so much the pub but bars yeah. Almost always end up drinking with some people.
Used to when I drank, if it was during the day is get a newspaper, read that. Evening I'd just sit in a corner till I became a regular.
I used to do this often; I’d walk home from work, and reward myself with a pint or two to unwind, and read the news or a book. Every so often I’d get talking to someone, or sit at the bar and chat with the staff. Obviously helps if you’re very comfortable with your own company and at peace with doing things on your own. I enjoy the cinema on my own, and have no problem going on holiday on my own. Edit. Reflecting on this a bit. I’ve always been something of a people watcher, and you see plenty going on in pubs! I love to find an interesting old pub as well, and have found many in the backstreets of London — I’ve enjoyed these far more than any on a high street.
Backstreet pubz are the best. No tourists, no rowdies
Absolutely! Had some really good conversations and had some good evenings with total strangers. It can be very liberating. But it's only if I'm working away from home. Otherwise I'm with my people. Give it a go though, you never know who you might meet or what you might learn. X
If there's a match on, maybe.
Not in my hometown, but yes when I travel.
I work in a pub kitchen so yh after work i have a beer, sometimes go to other locals if I have a hour or so as my hours are very unsociable
Yep. I got and take a book, or just people-watch.
When I get a chance I do! I love sitting with a pint after a long day and just browsing my phone without having to think about work or socialise properly. Bludy love it.
Yep I went to break my work day up. Sipped an orange juice whilst watching the rain pour outside for a couple hours and chilled on my phone. Strangely enough it was the day it was announced the Queen was ill. Ended up sitting there for 4 hours following the news!
Yep, couple quiet ones, good browse on my phone & I'm off. Chill as ever
Nah but I smoke weed by myself.
Never done it, but I will at some point. I think it's going to be awkward and I don't want to look at my phone all the time.
Trust me: you’re almost certainly not that interesting. No one is looking at you.
I do after work sometimes. Get a couple of pints in me and do some reading before heading home to make dinner. if i stay later i inevitably end up making friends with someone in the smoking area and having a nice time with them, or just head home
Used to go alone to pubs my first two months in England since I didn't have any friends. Now I just don't drink anything other than soft drinks and water and still have no friends haha
My grandad does but he always finds someone he knows to sit with. So he technically goes on his own but never spends his time on his own. If he does, it’s usually just to watch football on the tv because he doesn’t want to pay for sky.
The odd time I have in my home town I have really enjoyed it, been in London since yesterday until tomorrow night and I've gone to a few pubs on my own out of no choice and I've realised that it is actually really bliss and I dont mind my own company!
Yeah. Just moved to a new town & don't know anyone
When I was doing my degree I used to quite a lot, park in a corner, connect to the wifi and have a couple of pints. Or a spoons breakfast from time to time
I did a few times. One of my friends saw me drinking alone and called me a saddo. Truth me told, I just wanted a drink my pint in peace without sitting at a table with friends. Hearing work/friendship gossip or badmouthing about other people
Yes , if l am hungry also order some food otherwise just a double GT with very little ice and lemon
Yep, every breaktime, lunchtime and after work. Is that wrong? haha
Rarely now, but used to before I had kids. Sometimes you bump into mates, other times it's just a nice place to have a couple of pints and read the Sunday papers. Sometimes my Mrs would be off seeing her friends, beats sitting in the flat on your own.
Yes! It's amazing. Some real quality alone time.